Reimagining A More Inclusive STEM with Dr. Chris Emdin [Rerun]

Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD

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Welcome to another insightful episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD. This week, a treasure from the vault, my Season 4 conversation with Dr. Chris Emdin, a STEM education inclusivity advocate. Join us as we delve into the visionary ideas presented in his latest book, “STEM, STEAM, Make, Dream,” where he offers innovative solutions to modern educational challenges.

In our conversation, Chris shares his optimism about the boldness, compassion, and potential of the next generation. He passionately discusses the need to integrate maker culture and academic rigor, embrace project-based learning, and move beyond the constraints of standardized tests. We also explore how leveraging technology and promoting inclusivity can transform academic spaces and graduate experiences for people from diverse backgrounds.

Chris’s unique approach to education, which includes collaborations with hip hop artists like GZA from the Wu-Tang Clan, creates a revolutionary blend of art and science aimed at engaging historically marginalized communities. He encourages graduate students to stop masking their true selves to fit in, and instead, celebrate their unique identities as an essential strength in academia.

Tune in as we tackle the complexities of academic language, the importance of experiential learning, and the critical role of diversity and inclusion in advancing research. This episode is an inspiring journey towards a more inclusive and equitable future in STEM education. Let’s get started!

Dr. Christopher Emdin is the Maxine Greene Chair for Distinguished Contributions to Education and Professor of Science Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. He is also the Director of Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship At the STEAM DREAM and Ideal Lab.

He previously served as Robert Naslund Endowed Chair in Curriculum Theory at the University of Southern California, where he was Director of Youth and Community Partnerships at the USC Race and Equity Center.

He is the author of award-winning books including his latest: STEM, STEAM, Make, Dream and From White Folks Who Teach in the Hood.

What we covered in the interview:

• Embracing Authenticity: Chris Emdin encourages graduate students to shed the masks they often wear to fit in and to bring their full, unique selves into their academic journeys. This diversity enriches the academic environment and enhances learning experiences.

• Innovative Education Models: Emphasizing the integration of maker culture, project-based learning, and affirmations, Chris promotes an educational paradigm shift that moves away from standardized tests and towards more creative, interdisciplinary approaches.

• Challenging the Status Quo: Chris underscores the need to reimagine educational institutions to make them accessible and welcoming to marginalized communities. Leveraging technology like Zoom to bring experts into the classroom and incorporating cultural references such as hip hop can make learning more relatable and inclusive.

🔗See the resources section below for links!

This episode’s resources:

• Chris Emdin | LinkedIn
• Chris Emdin | Twitter
• ChrisEmdin.com | Website
• STEM, STEAM, Make, Dream | Amazon
• From White Folks Who Teach in the Hood | Amazon
• Ratchetdemic | Amazon

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Thank you, Chris Emdin!

If you enjoyed this conversation with Chris, let him know by clicking the link below and leaving him a message on Linkedin:

Send Chris Emdin a thank you message on LinkedIn!

Click here to share your key take-away from this interview with David!

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Stephani Mason – Promoting Diversity in Faculty